NFF Mourns as 1980 AFCON Hero Henry Nwosu Dies at 62

Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of former international midfielder and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations champion Henry Nwosu, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital in Lagos. He was 62.

The tragic development was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which described the late midfielder as one of the finest talents to have represented the country.

Widely regarded as one of the best left-sided midfielders of his era, Henry Nwosu made history as the youngest member of Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the “Green Eagles” secure the country’s first continental title at just 17 years old.

He later played key roles in Nigeria’s campaigns at the 1984 and 1988 AFCON finals, where the national team finished as runners-up after facing Cameroon in both championship matches.

Reacting to the loss, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mohammed Sanusi, described the news as another painful blow to Nigerian football, coming only days after the death of former national team coach Adegboye Onigbinde.

“This is another very sad news, even as we are still mourning the demise of Chief Onigbinde,” Sanusi said. “Nigeria football will never forget the enormous contributions of Henry Nwosu both as a player and as a coach.”

One of the most memorable moments of Nwosu’s career came on April 25, 1981, when he scored a stunning long-range goal against Guinea during a FIFA World Cup qualification match, helping Nigeria advance to the final qualifying round against Algeria.

At the club level, the midfield maestro was celebrated for his performances with New Nigerian Bank FC of Benin and African Continental Bank (ACB) FC of Lagos, where he thrilled fans with his creativity, vision, and technical brilliance. He later continued his career abroad, including a stint in Côte d’Ivoire.

Following his retirement from active football, Nwosu remained involved in the sport as a coach, mentoring young players and contributing to the development of the game in Nigeria.

His death increases to nine the number of players from Nigeria’s historic 1980 AFCON-winning squad who have passed away, marking another painful loss for one of the most celebrated generations in the country’s football history.

Tributes are already pouring in from former teammates, football officials, and fans across the country, honoring the legacy of a player widely remembered for his skill, leadership, and lasting impact on Nigerian football.